About SMBC Group
SMBC Group is a leading global financial powerhouse with a 400 year history. Based in Tokyo, the group offers a broad spectrum of services including banking, leasing, securities, credit cards, and consumer finance. It operates more than 130 offices with a workforce of over 80,000 employees across nearly 40 countries. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (SMFG) is the holding company for SMBC Group and ranks among the three largest banking groups in Japan. SMFG shares are traded on the Tokyo, Nagoya, and New York Stock Exchanges (NYSE: SMFG). In the Americas, SMBC Group maintains a presence in the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. Backed by SMBC Group’s capital strength and Asia market connections, the group delivers a wide range of commercial and investment banking services to corporate, institutional, and municipal clients, linking diverse clients to local markets through its extensive global network. Operating companies in the Americas include SMBC, SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc., SMBC Capital Markets, Inc., SMBC MANUBANK, JRI America, Inc., SMBC Leasing and Finance, Inc., Banco Sumitomo Mitsui Brasileiro S.A., and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Co., Ltd.
The anticipated salary range for this role is between $90,000.00 and $135,000.00. The specific salary offered to an applicant will be based on their individual qualifications, experiences, and an analysis of the current compensation paid in their geography and the market for similar roles at the time of hire. The role may also be eligible for an annual discretionary incentive award. In addition to cash compensation, SMBC offers a competitive portfolio of benefits to its employees.
Role Description
SMBC is seeking an Associate to join the Credit Portfolio Risk team within the Risk Management Department of the Americas Division. Reporting to the Director of Credit Portfolio Risk, the Associate will draw on prior risk management experience to actively support a range of credit transformation initiatives. The position concentrates on improving credit risk processes, data, and technology to strengthen the firm’s overall credit risk management framework.
Role Objectives
- Delivery: support end-to-end credit transformation initiatives aimed at modernizing, streamlining, and enhancing credit risk management processes, data and technology capabilities across the credit lifecycle. This includes improving portfolio reporting, enhancing credit grading models, implementing new risk systems, and optimizing underwriting workflows.
- Process Improvement: document current state credit processes, identify inefficiencies, and design future state workflows that improve accuracy, consistency, and speed.
- Data and System Transformation: strengthen data sourcing and data quality for credit risk management and support the implementation of new technology solutions and tools.
- Project Execution: develop and maintain project plans, milestones, and success metrics to ensure disciplined execution of credit transformation initiatives.
- Stakeholder Management: partner with Risk, Technology, Product, and Business teams to build alignment, drive adoption, and ensure smooth integration of new processes.
- Risk & Issue Management: identify project risks and roadblocks early, escalate issues as appropriate, and implement corrective actions to maintain momentum.
- Communication and Reporting: develop executive-ready presentations, dashboards, and status reports to communicate progress, outcomes, and key decisions.
Interpersonal Skills
- Clear, effective communication, with the ability to solicit input and convert feedback into actionable improvements to credit risk processes.
- Proven ability to develop high quality written materials and presentations to support credit process assessments and enhancement initiatives.
- Strong cross functional collaboration skills, capable of synthesizing diverse perspectives into accurate, actionable insights and ensuring timely follow up.
- Effective communicator across all organizational levels, including credit risk teams, business partners, and senior leadership.
Expertise
- Solid understanding of credit risk and portfolio management concepts, with familiarity of U.S. and international regulatory expectations and industry best practices.
- Working knowledge of the end-to-end credit lifecycle and key credit risk frameworks and systems (for example, 3 Lines of Defense, risk appetite, risk ratings).
- Experience in credit process management, including approval workflows, credit committee governance, and ongoing monitoring activities.
- Advanced analytical capabilities, with the ability to dissect complex issues, exercise sound judgment, and maintain a high level of attention to detail.
Qualifications and Skills
- Requirements: Minimum 3 years of experience in financial services with a focus on transformation, risk, or data driven initiatives. At least one year of progressive project management experience. Prior experience in global financial services is strongly preferred.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field required.
- Hybrid work and accommodations: SMBC operates a Hybrid workforce model that provides opportunities to work from home and from an SMBC office. Candidates will learn their specific hybrid schedule during the interview. Hybrid work may not be permitted for certain roles, including some FINRA-registered positions requiring in-office attendance. SMBC provides reasonable accommodations during candidacy for applicants with disabilities; if you need an accommodation during the application process, please email accommodations@smbcgroup.com.
Compensation and Benefits
The role offers a salary range of $90,000.00 to $135,000.00. The final amount will reflect the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and the prevailing market compensation for similar roles at the time of hire. The position may be eligible for an annual discretionary incentive award. SMBC also provides a competitive benefits package in addition to base compensation.
Location
Hybrid remote in New York, NY 10172.
